BC Greens call for sixth condition for heavy oil pipelines

By BC Green Party · December 19, 2013

19

December 2013

Media Statement December 19, 2013For immediate release

BC Greens call for sixth condition for heavy oil pipelines

Victoria BC – In response the NEB Joint Review Panel’s final decision to approve Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline, BC Green Party MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Andrew Weaver, and BC Green Party Leader Adam Olsen are calling on the BC Government to establish a 6th condition for support of heavy oil pipeline projects: A moratorium on dilbit transport along the B.C. coast.

“We are quite disappointed with the JRP report in respect to the risks related to dilbit,” says Andrew Weaver. “The key issue is dilbit because it’s different from refined oils that float on the surface--up to 50% of dilbit sinks making clean-up significantly more difficult if not impossible. We have no way of knowing what would happen if dilbit were to spill on our coast. The science isn’t there to allow for effective spill response and this was not reflected in the report.”

According to the report “Northern Gateway and other hearing participants did not agree on the behaviour of diluted bitumen spilled into water.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has made it clear that “Behaviour models specific to dilbit spills do not exist, and existing commercial models for conventional oil do not allow parameter specific modifications.”

“Clearly the report did not do an adequate job of addressing the risks of dilbit on our coast.” says Adam Olsen. “We have a choice as British Columbians: We can continue to play Russian roulette with our pristine coastline, or we can stand up for British Columbia and put a moratorium on dilbit transport along our coast.”

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In this day and age of instant messaging, stories can quickly take a life of their own. Let’s be clear. Neither MLA Dr. Andrew Weaver, BC Green Party Interim Leader Adam Olsen, nor the BC Green Party support the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline. In fact, Adam Olsen and MLA Dr. Andrew Weaver are applying as interveners to speak at the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion hearings.

The BC Green Party stands with the numerous first nations communities that have opposed Enbridge and Kinder Morgan. Ignoring Aboriginal rights and title and proceeding with these projects despite their objection is disrespectful and is a huge liability for the people of British Columbia and Canada.

The BC Greens share the significant concerns of British Columbians and the threat of tar sands bitumen shipped to our coast by rail, pipe and super tanker.

What is your view on Andrew Weavers position in support of a refinery for tarsands oil and subsequent tanker shipment of refined oil?

Arthur Green commented
2013-12-24 17:04:32 -0800

It’s frustrating to stand before Goliath everyday of the week, just finding enough smooth stones is more than all time consuming. Calling on all David’s, join us, become part of the good challenge and stand for your planet, your country, and all our well beings.
Art Green, Hope,BC